GenusPlus Group Ltd has been selected by Alinta Energy to complete the delivery of the 100MW/200MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Wagerup Power Station in Western Australia’s South West.
Genus has been awarded the Balance of Plant (BoP) Works Contract, valued at approximately $50 million, which will integrate with existing high-voltage infrastructure to enhance the stability of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and provide backup capacity when required.
The SWIS is Western Australia’s main electricity grid, serving more than 1.1 million customers across Perth, the South West, Kalgoorlie, and Geraldton. It faces increasing challenges as renewable penetration rises, making grid-scale batteries critical for balancing supply and demand and mitigate potential technical issues associated with energy generation, such as curtailment.
Wagerup BESS - Project Details
The Wagerup BESS is part of Alinta Energy’s broader investment strategy in energy storage to support grid stability and system resilience as renewable generation increases across the SWIS.
The battery will be located at Wagerup Power Station, a dual-fuel (gas and distillate) facility commissioned in 2007 with a capacity of 380 MW. By collocating the battery with existing generation assets and high-voltage infrastructure, the project reduces connection costs, accelerates delivery, and ensures efficient integration into the grid.
In 2023, Alinta announced that Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute Co. Ltd (SEPD) and Sunterra Pty Ltd would provide the battery system for the project, marking a significant step in securing supply chain readiness and ensuring compatibility with WA’s system requirements.
It is understood that Genus will be responsible for the Balance of Plant scope that will enable construction completion and commissioning. Approximately 100 personnel will be engaged to complete the project, with a strong emphasis on local content from Western Australia.
What is Balance of Plat Works?
The Balance of Plant (BoP) contract typically encompasses all supporting infrastructure required to integrate the battery system into the grid, aside from the battery units themselves. Generally, the BoP works include:
Civil works such as foundations and access roads
Electrical systems including transformers, switchgear, and cabling
Protection, control, and monitoring systems
Commissioning and integration with existing grid infrastructure
This contract type is a common feature of large-scale energy projects, where specialised contractors deliver the supporting systems that ensure safe, reliable, and timely operation. Genus’s selection for this role reflects its proven capability in delivering BoP contracts across the energy sector in Australia.
Why Locate Batteries Near Power Stations?
Battery systems are often colocated with existing power stations to leverage existing grid infrastructure and reduce the need for new transmission assets. This approach lowers project costs and shortens connection timelines.
It also ensures that storage can directly complement thermal generation, providing rapid backup capacity when renewable output fluctuates. In markets like Western Australia, where renewable penetration is increasing, colocated batteries also help reduce curtailment of wind and solar generation, enabling more efficient use of available renewable resources.
Leadership Comments on the Contract
Genus Managing Director David Riches said the company was pleased to be entrusted with another grid-critical project.
“We’re proud to have been trusted by Alinta to complete this important BESS project safely, efficiently and in a timely manner,” Riches said.
“This award reflects the reputation Genus has developed in a relatively short period of time. Every successful delivery reinforces our position as a partner of choice in the battery energy storage space — and this project is a testament to the strength of our people, our client partnerships and our purpose.”
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